Greenfield homes plan for village backed

Conroy Brook (Developments) Ltd wants to build the homes, which include 12 detached and 15 terraced properties, on a site next to Bird Riding, off Upperthong Lane, Upperthong, Holmfirth.

The proposal, which includes 15 affordable homes, is an amended scheme from an earlier version proposing 29 houses.

Kirklees Council received 203 letters and emails objecting to the initial scheme and 38 to the amended proposal.

Critics have objected to building on the greenfield site and claim there are “ample” brownfield sites which “should be developed first”.

There are also concerns about the impact of additional traffic, the effects on wildlife and on neighbouring listed buildings.

Residents group Upperthong Needs Development Opposing and Holme Valley Parish Council have objected to the scheme.

The parish council has raised a raft of concerns including claims the road infrastructure is insufficient to support an increase in vehicles and that narrow roads in the village are an issue for pedestrian safety and children attending the local school.

But members of Kirklees Council’s planning sub-committee will be advised to refer the application to planning and highways with a recommendation for conditional full approval when they meet on Thursday.

A report to be considered by the committee says: “It is considered that the level of traffic generated by the scheme can be satisfactorily and safely accommodated within the existing highway network, and that access, servicing and parking provision are all in accordance with the relevant guidance.

“The layout, scale and density are considered to be satisfactory and more than adequate regard afforded to the potential effect on the siting of the listed buildings at the southern end of the site.”